Smart Device Link Assistance
Today more than every smart devices are becoming integrated in everyday lives.  Not only do will use to interact with other people but know they are being used to control various aspects of our home and business. Custom Computer Consulting offers Smart Device Link Assistance.  A service to assist you in linking your smart device.  This can include smart device to smart device.  Your own personal network or Business network as well as the worldwide (internet).

Smart Devices (i.e.) Cellular phones, tablets, security systems, surveillance cameras, door locks, key entry systems, lights, thermostat appliance controllers, garage openers, generator controllers, remote power controller, and etc.

Automation Control (Gateway Control). Serves as a functions as the central control center for your home or business. It allows you It allows you to control your devices. (HomeSeer, Control4). Controller type either software or hardware.
Automated Devices - Replace existing wall switches door locks thermostat, audio video system and etc. Design to communication specifically with the gateway controller. Many difference devices and manufactures with different types of technologies are available.

Hardware Interface – Connect to your gateway and allow you to communicate with your automated devices. You can mix and match device as long as the gateway controller will handle it. However each will be technology will require a hardware interface for each technology used.

User Interface for smartphone and tablet (HSTOUCH, HSTOUCH Pad). Configure server settings.

Smart Device can vary in setup as installation

WHY Is This Service Necessary?
There are problems that can occur when attempting to connect these types of devices.  A major factor is connectivity to either the devices itself or to a network.  This can software installation and setup needed to operate the device.  This is because smart devices and there software apps require a certain level of setup to allow you to connect to them so as to control those device attached to them It can further be complicated as it may require you to connect your smart device by way of either a local area network or the internet (where other computers and smart devices are connected).  By connecting them to a network it will allow you more flexibility in controlling the devices.  All of this can be somewhat an overwhelming experiences for some individual to undertake.

Below is a list of possible scenarios that can occur during the installation of a smart device.

Local Network
If accessing the device on your own network or by way of another device, it usually does not require as much setup as if you are planning to access it via the internet.  In majority case individual that have a router or switched installed will be using DHCP where each device and computer on the network will be assigned an internal IP address.  This would not change unless the computer or device is disconnected from the network.

Internet Connection
If connecting via the internet to a smart device it may require additional setup to bypass the firewall by using port forwarding along with Dynamic IP addresses to each of the devices you plan on connecting to via the internet.  Also, since many do not subscribe to a Dynamic IP address through their IP providers each subscriber is assigned a static IP address which can routinely change.  This will prevent you from access your device.  To remedy this situation you can pay for a Dynamic IP which your Internet Provider will assign you or manually check to see what your IP address is (not very reliable as it can change). This can be done by using a software applications to monitor your IP address (which e-mails you the IP address) or subscribe to an on-line HOST service that will automatically store your IP address.  This problem does not occur if accessing the device on your local network. In this case computer, smart device, and peripherals connected to your network has most likely has assigned a dynamic IP address.  At least those that require connecting outside your own network. If you do not have a local area network other services may or may not be available to access your smart device from the internet.  Some manufactures provide a services that will allow you to connect to your device via a web interface using their local server as a access point.

Security
Security is another concern when setting up these devices.  This is especially true if the user intends to access them via the internet.  These devices can become very vulnerable to a hacker and since many of these smart devices are connected to other control systems withn your home or business. This can include security system (alarms, door locks, and lights), surveillance cameras, baby monitors, nanny cams, and other appliances.  All making your home or business vulnerable.

Antivirus/Malware/Firewall
NEWER Antivirus and Malware and Smart Security program may hamper performance and connectivity with their device which use either a network or web based interface to connect to them. This is due to the fact that the web browser content and addresses is being scanned for a possible threats.  An exception may have to be entered into the antivirus program to prevent the blockage or sluggish access.  It can commonly occur in those devices that use web interfaces to set their perimeters. However, it can block as well certain IP addresses within the local network.

Switch & Router Exception
If a predefined IP addresses has been assigned to the device where it can be changed. This may require exception to be added to the router or switch to prevent the assignment of that IP address on your network.  This would cause a conflict of IP addresses should the smart devices IP addressed be assigned to another computer or device on your network.  These exceptions should be applied any other preassigned IP addresses.

Smart Device Predefined IP and Subnets
In some case a predefined IP addresses may have been assigned to your smart device as well as a different subnet making the smart device invisible to your network. For the device to be made be available on your local network it must be activated on your router.    This is due to UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), which allows devices that re connected to a network to easily be discover each other (early routers did not support this code). The other is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) -- developed to share on both wireless and wired network digital content such as photos, music and videos thorough the use of consumer products.   

Inquiries & Documentation
Be sure when making any inquires to CCC about this type of service that you provide us with the make and model number of the device. Do you have a network? Is it wireless, wired, or combination of both? Do you have Internet access? The Type of Service or and your provider. As well as any other prudent information.

Documentation
It is best to have available at the time of service all necessary documentation on the smart device.  Also, any information related to other network devices you use for your local network and internet connections.

Testing Smart Devices
All smart devices will be fully tested to assure connectivity at the time of installation.

Last Update: 04/08/2015 23:54